Cloudscape - Crimson Skies
Metal Heaven

file under heavy / power metal

Eddy: One of the surprises of last year was the debut album of the Swedish band Cloudscape. When I heard their music for the first time I immediately thought of the Prog Power Festival and I suggested to the band’s manager to send a sample of their music to the organisation of Prog Power. They did and they actually landed on the 2005 edition of that fest. Well, now I have their second album in my player and already by hearing the first tones it’s safe to say that ‘Crimson Skies’ is a killer.

They did not change too much of their style, they decided to continue in fine direction they had set out on their first album. There is even more place for melody this time, especially vocalist Micael’s singing has matured a lot since the first album. Just listen to some of those intelligent diversities in his vocal range and the way he approaches every great composition that is on this album. This CD is not released because they wanted to do a quick follow up to their successful debut. No way! These guys really pulled out one hour of new exciting music neatly compressed into twelve songs. From the first moment on there is nothing but awesome prog/power metal with all members playing almost beyond their capabilities. Each time I listen to this disc, I discover musical surprises that leave my mouth open. The power, the mood changes, the diversity and the awesome musicianship make this album by Cloudscape one that really stands out from the heaps of CDs that are released at this time.

This band has a good future with awesome tunes like ‘The Last Breath’, the slow starting ‘Psychic Imbalance’ which turns into a killer powerful tune with pounding rhythms and beautiful keyboard fills and the best of all best songs ‘Take The Blame’. I’m crying behind my computer, I can’t even begin to describe how great this tune is, you have to listen to it yourself! If you are into bands like Vanden Plas, Evergrey, Dream Theater and even the early Queensrÿche or Symphony X then get ready. You are in for a real treat with the new album from these Swedes…

Score: 93/100 (details)

http://www.cloudscape.se